The Seahawks could well start out 0-2 -- Packers in Seattle, then Chargers in San Diego -- if they don’t block better than in many games last year. Wilson, who has 1,028 yards rushing, bailed out a porous line too often. Seattle needs guard and former first-round draftee James Carpenter to get past his struggles with weight, motivation and health. The Jets’ signing of right tackle Breno Giacomini removed a scrappy tone-setter. It helps that Carroll's top-ranked assistant, Tom Cable, is an elite line coach.

A healthy season from Percy Harvin, the speedster who missed most of last season only to help out in the Super Bowl, would offset the departure of Golden Tate, while welcomed but not to be counted on would be key receptions from swift rookie Paul Richardson and 6-foot-5 Chris Matthews.

There's enough talent and edginess to these Seahawks, however, to believe they can beat the bleak recent history.

Super Bowl jinx

The last nine Super Bowl champions have failed to reach the conference championship the following year. Four didn't even make the playoffs.